Young Social Innovators (YSI) at KCC
Empowering Students to Lead Change
At Killorglin Community College, our Transition Year students don’t just learn — they lead. Through Young Social Innovators (YSI), students explore real-world issues, design meaningful solutions, and present their projects on national stages such as Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium.
YSI challenges students to raise their voices, create innovative responses to social issues, and take action that has a lasting impact on their school and community.
Speak Out – Student Voice on Stage
A highlight of the YSI journey is the Speak Out event, where students present their projects on stage to a live audience. This builds confidence, communication skills, and teamwork, while giving students the chance to inspire others with their vision for change.
For projects that are shortlisted, the journey continues at the National YSI Awards, where students present to panels of government representatives and NGO leaders. It is here that young people from KCC have demonstrated the strength of their ideas on a national platform.
National Recognition & Success
YSI at Killorglin Community College has a proud record of success at the highest level:
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In the past five years, seven TY projects from KCC have been shortlisted for national awards.
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Two of these, Bridging the Generations and GameChangHER, were honoured as category winners at the National YSI Awards.
These achievements show the creativity, leadership, and commitment of our students — and the strength of their voices in shaping a better future.
Why YSI Matters
YSI at KCC is about more than trophies — it’s about transformation:
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Students gain the confidence to speak out and advocate for change.
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They develop essential skills in teamwork, research, communication, and problem-solving.
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Their projects influence both local change and national conversations.
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Our school ethos of Care, Community, Respect, Equality, and Excellence is lived out in student action.
Looking Ahead
Each year, new Transition Year students take up the YSI challenge. With fresh ideas and energy, they continue the legacy of national recognition and build on the achievements of past teams. At KCC, YSI is more than a project — it’s a platform where student voice, innovation, and leadership come together to create real change.